Chapter 40: Aftermath and the Memento
Corpses littered the ground as if a massive earthquake had struck, and the famous buildings of the Slane Theocracy lay bizarrely in ruins, resembling ancient relics.
As the massive Dragon Legion vanished without warning in an instant, the people who had fled began to return, and both soldiers and strong young men mobilized to clear the corpses and debris.
The captain of the Black Scripture, who held the first seat and had suffered great damage in the battle against the Great God of Calamity, "miraculously survived" after getting timely treatment.
In the sanctuary that Zesshi Zetsumei had once guarded, he slowly opened his eyes.
His ruby-colored eyes blurred the surroundings as if shrouded in mist, a side effect of Aurelius's mind control. But it was not a matter of great concern, since his vision would recover over time.
The first seat lifted the white tent covering his body.
He was in a half-naked state, but the internal wounds and deep cuts all over his body had been completely healed.
Carefully, he stood up, enduring the throbbing pain.
"Ugh..."
He let out a short moan, still struggling to focus.
Clutching at his confused head and his jet-black hair, he muttered,
"Uh, what happened...?"
He wondered why he was in the sanctuary. To find out, he recalled his battle with the Great God of Calamity, each scene flashing by like a kaleidoscope in his mind.
It felt like a hard stone hitting his head with force.
After a moment of disorientation, he couldn't feel any presence around him. The first seat took his spear and looked around.
"Hey, is anyone there?!"
It was eerily quiet outside. There must have been a big commotion. When silence reigned in the sanctuary, the first seat heard someone running.
A soldier waiting at the entrance of the sanctuary appeared at the first seat's call.
"Oh, are you okay?"
"I'm okay. More than that... What happened to that God of Calamity?!"
The first seat looked at the soldier with bloodshot eyes. The soldier, intimidated by the aura of overwhelming force, carefully opened his mouth to answer.
"I took some of my subordinates and went out to support you. But... When we got there..."
The soldier lowered his head, sweating.
Several soldiers were entrusted with escorting Zesshi Zetsumei, and they were the only ones in the sanctuary who knew her true identity. Though weaker than the Black Scripture, they were several times more capable than ordinary soldiers.
At the words of the specially trained soldier, the first seat's face momentarily crumpled.
"It's okay. I want you to explain properly."
The first seat asked calmly.
"It was already too late when we arrived to support you. The area was heavily damaged from the battle, and the Extra Seat and the whitish-gray-haired man had disappeared without a trace."
"Does that mean Zesshi is missing?"
"Yes, it seems so..."
The first seat gripped his spear hard enough to break it.
"Quickly find her! She shouldn't be wandering outside! Something might happen!"
"I've already deployed all my subordinates to investigate her whereabouts!"
"Time is of the essence! We must find her quickly!"
"Yes, sir!"
As the soldier disappeared, the first seat's face contorted with anger. He gripped his spear so hard that his veins bulged. The force in his knuckles conveyed the intensity of his wrath.
However, within this rage, there was a fleeting moment of clarity in his eyes, a flash of meaning that vanished before anyone could notice.
*******
Aurelius headed for the throne room, holding the unconscious Zesshi Zetsumei, who floated like a sleeping princess before him.
When the ruler of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick arrived, all the NPCs gathered in the Throne Hall to welcome him with joy.
He climbed two low steps over a red carpet path.
Among the NPCs, women who harbored feelings for Aurelius glared at the sleeping Zesshi as he carried her in his arms. Their jealousy was clearly evident, but it bordered on treasonous to harbor such ill will while welcoming their lord.
Aurelius quelled these silent killers with a single, stern look, issuing an unspoken warning.
All NPCs bowed respectfully, setting an example of obedience.
In time for this, Aurelius sat down on the Emperor's Throne. The magnificent hall was filled with his subjects. Beneath the podium, all the floor guardians stood, followed by the area guardians, the Pleiades, and other servants.
Zesshi remained in Aurelius's arms, while Albedo, glaring daggers at her, looked visibly uncomfortable beside him.
"Everyone worked hard waiting for me. You may look up," Aurelius commanded.
At his word, all the NPCs slowly raised their heads, their expressions filled with curiosity and questions.
"The raid on the Theocracy has come to an end safely. I have collected the treasures I sought, including some prized items from the Theocracy. Not only have we annihilated their important figures, but we have also driven the Theocracy to the brink of destruction. We have gained much from this endeavor."
"My Lord, I, Demiurge, admire Aurelius-sama's great achievements! You have justly punished the ungodly who regard Aurelius-sama as a cataclysmic god!"
"Thank you, Demiurge," Aurelius responded.
As Aurelius sighed and smiled, Cocytus, standing next to Demiurge, exhaled a plume of pure white, cold air.
"Cocytus, do you have something to say to me?"
"I am truly amazed by your achievements, my lord. Your power is unparalleled. However, if I may ask, what is the reason for bringing that black-and-white-haired girl here? Will it serve a purpose?"
Cocytus questioned Aurelius in a deep, resonant voice, curious as to why Zesshi, an enemy, had not been imprisoned but instead brought into the sacred throne room.
"Blasphemous! Cocytus!"
Albedo's face was twisted with rage. She was furious at Cocytus's audacity to question their master.
"That's enough, Albedo."
"But, my lord—"
"I said enough."
"I'm sorry!"
Albedo stepped back and bowed her head in submission.
"Everyone should know who this black-and-white-haired girl is. I informed you all in advance," Aurelius stated.
Shalltear's eyes sparkled as she looked at Aurelius.
"Then, is this girl the jewel of the Theocracy?"
"Yes. Isn't she beautiful? She is one of the strongest beings in this world, capable of defeating many of the Pleiades in a one-on-one fight. Doesn't that make her the perfect symbol of victory? A good memento? Also, a woman who has grown so strong in such a harsh environment must have excellent genes. Imagine what my offspring with her would be like."
Upon hearing this, Shalltear glared at Zesshi with a disgruntled expression, but remained silent.
"There are many other reasons, but aren't the ones I've mentioned enough to justify bringing her with me, Cocytus?"
"Yes, my lord. I am extremely sorry for my doubt."
"It's fine. As a sentient being with individual thoughts, it's normal to have questions."
Nodding to Cocytus, Aurelius finally turned to the sleeping beauty in his arms and called out.
"It's time to wake up."
It was a beautiful sight to see her sleeping peacefully. Her breasts rose and fell gently with each breath, accentuating her cute frame. She had a well-toned body and was undeniably beautiful, with her plump pink lips and sharp nose.
"Zesshi..."
As her name was called, Zesshi stirred and slowly opened her eyes. The first person she saw was Aurelius, the man regarded as the most handsome in the world.
"Did you sleep well? You look like you slept well in my arms."
"Huhhh... Yes, this is the first time I've slept so comfortably," she replied, wrapping her arms around Aurelius's waist and burying her face in his chest.
Gnashhh-!
Immediately, the loud sound of someone gnashing their teeth came from behind Aurelius.
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